W.Va. DEP cites MarkWest for creek pollution

VALLEY GROVE, W.Va. - MarkWest Energy has been cited by state regulators for allowing a non-toxic mixture called drilling mud to enter Little Wheeling Creek.

Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Tom Aluise tells The Intelligencer and Wheeling-News Register that MarkWest has 20 days to provide a written response to the DEP detailing what actions it will take to abate the violation order.

Aluise says more than 6,000 gallons of drilling mud seeped into the Ohio County creek through cracks in the creek bed earlier this month. About 30 fish died.

The incident occurred as a subcontractor was drilling under the creek.

MarkWest Energy spokesman Robert McHale says the company is working to resolve any outstanding issues. He says MarkWest is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.